I love that Roos brings in players to carry out a specific role in his game plan, rather than the idiotic scattergun approach Norf Melbourne take by bringing in whoever's available only to lose one of their best midfielders as collateral.

Not really true. Waite has been brought in to support/take pressure off Petrie, following a year in which they clearly lacked an extra attacking dimension. Higgins they pursued because their rebounding defenders don't use the football particularly well - Atley can't kick, Mullett became incredibly error prone as the game against us showed - so he fills a need. Obviously, losing Greenwood who I agree is a good player and in my opinion their best player this year, is a poor result, but I dont think Waite and Higgins are scattergun acquisions, they both tidy up a weakness, albeit in the short-term.

No he doesn't.

When he's on he's making 6 - 8 tackles a game, find me another player in our side who does that plus kicks goals?

Seriously think if everyone is up and firing, another pre-season into the Roos gameplan and with a few handy additions anything is possible.

Trengrove (fit), Jones, Vince, Tyson (another pre-season), Cross, Barry (another pre-season), Jetta (best small backman all year), Dawes/Hogan combination, Dunn, Garlett roving, Lumumba running off the backline, Grimes, Watts (another pre-season under Roos), pick 2 and 3...

Seriously think if everyone is up and firing, another pre-season into the Roos gameplan and with a few handy additions anything is possible.

Trengrove (fit), Jones, Vince, Tyson (another pre-season), Cross, Barry (another pre-season), Jetta (best small backman all year), Dawes/Hogan combination, Dunn, Garlett roving, Lumumba running off the backline, Grimes, Watts (another pre-season under Roos), pick 2 and 3...

I agree that anything is possible and finals should be the target, the problem is that 17 other teams are also improving.

Seriously think if everyone is up and firing, another pre-season into the Roos gameplan and with a few handy additions anything is possible.

Trengrove (fit), Jones, Vince, Tyson (another pre-season), Cross, Barry (another pre-season), Jetta (best small backman all year), Dawes/Hogan combination, Dunn, Garlett roving, Lumumba running off the backline, Grimes, Watts (another pre-season under Roos), pick 2 and 3...

You lost me at Barry.

You lost me at Barry.

I wasn't meant to include him...

I wasn't meant to include him...

Why did you?

Seriously think if everyone is up and firing, another pre-season into the Roos gameplan and with a few handy additions anything is possible.

Trengrove (fit), Jones, Vince, Tyson (another pre-season), Cross, Barry (another pre-season), Jetta (best small backman all year), Dawes/Hogan combination, Dunn, Garlett roving, Lumumba running off the backline, Grimes, Watts (another pre-season under Roos), pick 2 and 3...

I love the optimism at this time of year. The problem is that there are 17 other clubs, 16 of whom were clearly better than us this year. I can't see us magically jumping over 8+ of those teams even if things went really well for us next year.

Well that was out of left field.

On the basis he can clean up his attitude, work ethic and return to his previous golden form.

I will welcome him with open arms.

Why did you?

Accident mate.

Liam Pickering on Jeff Garlett: "It will get done (moving to Carlton), I've spoken to Andrew McKay and Josh Mahoney. Essendon were in it as well. Roosy wants him not just in the forward pocked but more up the ground using his speed."

"There were a number of reasons Jeff dropped off this year, injuring his shoulder at the start of the year and a few little off-field things. He just wasn't settled, we've been working pretty hard on the welfare side of it and he'll get a fresh start now."

Are players reluctant to go to Essendon?

"It didn't affect Jeff, but I think there still is a massive question mark on what is happening at Essendon, whereas Melbourne is settled on their coaching staff."

For anyone doubting the effectiveness of the succession plan, look no further. Though we may be terrible on-field, the idea of having a stable long term coaching staff with a clear plan is highly appealing to many players who feel directionless in their own careers.

Not that Garlett is a world beater, but its certainly a point of difference that MFC has over other clubs that make it a more attraction destination.

I love the optimism at this time of year. The problem is that there are 17 other clubs, 16 of whom were clearly better than us this year. I can't see us magically jumping over 8+ of those teams even if things went really well for us next year.

Yep. Hawthorn, Sydney, Fremantle, Geelong, North, Port will make up the top 6 IMO. That leaves West Coast, Richmond, Essendon, Adelaide, Collingwood (losing beams, lumumba, swan getting older, no midfield depth)...anything is possible.

I love the optimism at this time of year. The problem is that there are 17 other clubs, 16 of whom were clearly better than us this year. I can't see us magically jumping over 8+ of those teams even if things went really well for us next year.

In all seriousness (not just blue-skying) I think Essendon is going to drop off massively next year. I think they'll be bottom 4 despite the tremendous talent of their midfield.

Waite has been brought in to support/take pressure off Petrie, following a year in which they clearly lacked an extra attacking dimension.

What about that big dork Browne?

How did I forget to add Viney and Howe to my list?

"Yes he was an excellent player but needs love!"

is what my Carlton mate just replied to me.

Roos was all about that at the Swans...

Nah, I reckon we're just going to wing it.

Love your sarcasm but it would be fair to assume that Roos' "no Dheads" policy is a little more flexible than we've assumed.

2 things....

1. Garlett is a dead set gun, he had 1 bad season, it happens... Even if it was 23 for Garlett and 27 or whatever Carlton has, it's still a steal and anyone who doesn't see that clearly only watches Melbourne games.

2. Clint Bizkit has won this thread on 3 occasions, bravo.

Classic Roos rebirth project. We know what Garlett can do when playing well. Do we now have the culture and structure to facilitate good behaviour in 'troubled' personalities? Seems that way.

When he's on he's making 6 - 8 tackles a game, find me another player in our side who does that plus kicks goals?

Can't work out then why MM says he is no good defensively and that is why he didn't play him.

Can't work out then why MM says he is no good defensively and that is why he didn't play him.

From my Carlton source once again...

"Assault!!! We sacked him and robbo for being drunk.. Again!!!!.."

Can't work out then why MM says he is no good defensively and that is why he didn't play him.

He was no good at ANYTHING under Malthouse. First half of 2013 and before he was a jet.

Reckon this is very much a personality clash thing with Malthouse and hold hope that Roosy will manage him better.

that 17 other teams are also improving.

Disagree. Crows will go backwards, as will Carlton, Collingwood, West Coast.

Who would drop out of the 8 for Melbourne is the bigger question. I think we will (should) improve immensely in 2014. 8-10 wins is a must. Anything less is a fail, as only 4 wins this year was a fail.

IMO the only teams I could see maaaaaybe falling out are Essendon and Richmond.

He has the ability. We have the need. His currency is low (given Carlton have said they are looking to trade/delist him).

Assuming the price is right, and it should be, this is a good target from Roos.

Just me or is the MFC a sneaky chance of getting in the 8 if everything goes to plan next year?

I am with you Jimmy. Every year I firmly believe we can make the finals right up until after the first quarter of the 1st game of the season...then poof...all hope gone.